Expedition Nevados Yanapaccha (5450 m), Pisco (5752 m) & Chopicalqui (6354 m)

This ride follows the Pan American highway north across the impressive Pacific coastal desert. Continuing toward higher terrain, you pass through the Cordillera Negra (Black Range) at Conococha Pass (4020 m) into the Santa Valley and Huaraz (3100m.) Once across the pass, you’ll see a charming view of the mountains of the Cordillera Blanca, without a doubt some of the most impressive scenery in the world. You can also fly via LCPERU – flight duration 50 minutes.

Overnight 
Hotel
Driving
By bus 8hours approx
Meals
B/L/-

For acclimatization we visit the Cordillera Negra, where you can see a magnificent view of the Cordillera Blanca. We’ll have a chance to see wild ducks on the beautiful lake. Wilcacocha, because of its location, is an exceptional viewpoint for the Cordillera Blanca, allowing us to identify peaks (from north to south) Huandoy, Huascarán, Chopicalqui, Hualcan, Copa,Vallunaraju, Ocshapalca, Ranrapalca, Palcaraju, Churup, and many more.

Overnight 
Hotel
Driving
1 Hour approx
Hiking
 4 Hours approx
Meals
B/L/-

The trail to Laguna Churup is one of the classic hikes of the Cordillera Blanca, challenging but a great acclimatization route. We drive to the village of Llupa, and from there begin our hike on an ancient Inca trail to Laguna (Lake) Churup. The trail narrows and steepens, but also becomes more interesting, including a small climb with fixed ropes. It is one of the most beautiful places in this varied mountain region. Churup Peak rises above the lake, a wild rocky mountain with glaciers and cliffs 5,400 meters above sea level. Here we can continue climbing and do a loop to the Churup summit trail before returning to the trailhead and back to Huaraz for the night.

Overnight 
Hotel
Driving
2 Hour approx
Hiking
 5 Hours approx
Meals
B/L/-

After a good breakfast we are transported in our minibus to just north of the small village of Yungay in the Santa Valley. The hike to Laguna 69 (4,450m) is the real start of the expedition, and another step in our acclimatization. We are rewarded for our efforts by fantastic views of the highest peaks of the Cordillera Blanca and the deep blue lake surrounded by glaciers. It takes about 6 hours round trip to our first camp in Cebollapampa (3.850 m).

Overnight 
Camping
Driving
3 Hours approx
Hiking
 5 Hours approx
Meals
B/L/D

After breakfast we begin to prepare our mountaineering equipment for the climb to Moraine Camp, which will take 3-3.5 hours.
Overnight 
Camping
Driving
1 Hour approx
Hiking
 5 Hours approx
Meals
B/L/D

Today we have a whole day to acquire the necessary skills for crossing glaciers and ice climbing. We’ll also become more acclimated through the day. We’ll stay another night at Moraine Camp before we will climb to the summit.

Overnight
Camping 
Hiking
 3 Hours approx.
Meals
B/L/D

This will be our first summit! The ascent follows the west wall, the most well known way through the glacier. There are crevasse fields to cross and the last 200 meters to reach the peak are 60-65% slopes. The return to Moraine Camp requires 3-4 rappels. Continue to Cebollapampa.

Overnight 
Camping
Hiking
 5 Hours approx
Driving donw
1 Hour approx.
Climbing
 8 hours approx
Meals
B/L/D

We leave Cebollapampa with light luggage to move to Refugio Peru, in front of the beginning of the glacier to the northwest. The group equipment is transported by burros. A 2 ½ hour climb on a good trail brings us to Pisco Base Camp, where we overnight in the refugio.

Overnight
Camping 
Hiking
 4 Hours approx
Meals
B/L/D

After a very early breakfast we climb the moraine and glacier for 6-7 hours to the peak of Nevado Pisco. You are rewarded with magnificent view of the peaks of Alpamayo, Huandoys, Chacraraju, Chopicalqui, Huascaran and others. Midday return to Base Camp; a total of 10-12 hours today. Overnight at the Peru Refuge.

Overnight 
Camping
Climbing
 8 hours approx
Hiking
 5 Hours approx
Meals
B/L/D

An easy 90 minute descent to the highway in Cebollapampa and then a short distance to climb to Chopicalqui Base Camp.

Overnight 
Camping
Hiking
 5 Hours approx.
Driving
15 minutes approx
Meals
B/L/D

After a good breakfast and a small lunch, we climb the moraine, steep in some sections, and hike along the moraine crest to Moraine Camp. 4-5 hours.

Overnight 
Camping
Hiking
 5 Hours approx
Meals
B/L/D

First we climb over the rocky moraine to the glacier. Then over the different slopes of the glacier, crossing various crevasses to camp on the glacier at High Camp. 5-6 hours.

Overnight 
Camping
Hiking
 2 Hours approx.
Climbing
 3 hours approx
Meals
B/L/D

Chopicalqui is a demanding mountain, and the culmination of our expedition. Climb to the summit. There are seracs and crevasses to cross and sections of technical walls to climb. On the final section we have some 8-10 meters of 75º -80º slope. Descend to High Camp or Moraine Camp and continue to Base Camp. 10-13 hours today.

Overnight 
Camping
Climbing
 12 hours approx
Hiking
 5 Hours approx.
Meals
B/L/D

Today we prepare to leave early, from Moraine Camp or Base Camp to the highway, where we find our private bus. Now is the time to say goodbye to the Llanganuo Valley. Lodging at the hotel in Huaraz.

Overnight 
Camping
Hiking
 2 Hours approx.
Driving
3 Hour approx
Meals
B/L/D

Options: Flight or bus. Flights are via LC-Peru and last 50 minutes.

Overnight 
Hotel
Driving
8 Hours by bus approx.
Meals
B/-/-

Arrival in USA or Austria, Switzerland,Germany, etc.

Overnight
Hotel 
Driving
1 Hours approx.
Meals
B/-/-

Arrival in USA or Austria, Switzerland,Germany, etc.

Overnight flight (B/-/-)